Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

April 10, 2020

Variation in False Negative Rate of RT-PCR Based SARS-CoV-2 Tests by Time Since Exposure

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  • The authors used previously published data on RT-PCR sensitivity of samples derived from nasal swabs to calculate the false negative rate by day since exposure and symptom onset.  
  • The probability of a false negative test ranged from 100% on day one post exposure to 26% three days after onset symptoms.  The authors conclude that in cases of high clinical suspicion, patients should not be ruled out on the bases of RT-PCR alone.

Kucirka et al. (Apr 10, 2020). Variation in False Negative Rate of RT-PCR Based SARS-CoV-2 Tests by Time Since Exposure.  Pre-print downloaded Apr 10 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.07.20051474